ARLINGTON (July 31, 2012) -- The Texas Rangers have obtained Ryan Dempster from the Chicago Cubs, a move to fortify their rotation for the stretch run.
The AL West leaders sent minor leaguer infielder Christian Villanueva and pitcher Kyle Hendricks to Chicago as part of Tuesday's deal.
Dempster, who had power to block deals, had refused to approve a trade to Atlanta last week. The 35-year-old right-hander was 5-5 with a 2.25 ERA in 16 games for the Cubs and can become a free agent after the season.
The Texas Rangers are moving Roy Oswalt to the bullpen after he was hit hard in his latest start.
Texas general manager Jon Daniels said Tuesday that the move wasn't necessarily permanent.
Oswalt gave up eight runs and 11 hits in 5 1-3 innings Monday in a 15-8 loss to the Los Angeles Angels.
The 34-year-old righty is 3-2 with a 6.49 ERA in six starts. He signed as a free agent with the AL West leaders in late May. Oswalt was 9-10 for Philadelphia last year.
"I think it's the nature of where we are in the season," Daniels said. "We're going to put the club out there that at the moment and time give us the best chance to win that night, that series, that period of time."
